Indulge in Cheesy Bacon Ranch Crack Chicken Penne Tonight!

Prepare to experience the ultimate comfort food fusion – Cheesy Bacon Ranch Crack Chicken Penne! This irresistible dish combines the creamy, tangy flavors of ranch dressing with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a cheesy penne pasta base. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s guaranteed to have your taste buds craving more. Get ready to dive into a delightfully indulgent and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Table of Contents

Ingredients Overview

The Cheesy Bacon Ranch Crack Chicken Penne recipe calls for a delightful blend of ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable flavor profile. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:

• 10 oz penne pasta
• 8 slices bacon, chopped
• 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ yellow onion, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 packet dry ranch dressing mix
• 2 tsp dried parsley
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for preparing this Cheesy Bacon Ranch Crack Chicken Penne masterpiece:

Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until it reaches an al dente texture, then drain and set it aside.

Cook Bacon & Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and slice it into strips.

Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the minced onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes, until the veggies are soft and fragrant.

Make Creamy Ranch Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the sour cream, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked penne, sliced chicken, and crispy bacon into the creamy ranch sauce. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until it’s melted.

Garnish & Serve

Top the Cheesy Bacon Ranch Crack Chicken Penne with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of dried parsley. Serve it hot and enjoy every bite of this irresistible dish!

Nutritional Information

This Cheesy Bacon Ranch Crack Chicken Penne dish is a delightful indulgence, with each serving providing approximately 670 calories, 45 grams of protein, 37 grams of fat, and 46 grams of carbohydrates. While it’s not the lightest option, the combination of lean chicken, fiber-rich pasta, and beneficial fats from the bacon and cheese can make it a satisfying and balanced meal when enjoyed in moderation. The ranch dressing and sour cream add creaminess and tang, while the shredded cheddar provides that coveted cheesy goodness.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of Cheesy Bacon Ranch Crack Chicken Penne is that it’s a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas for variations and substitutions:

• Protein Swap: Instead of chicken, you can use turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Pasta Swap: While penne is the classic choice, you can use whole wheat pasta or even zucchini noodles for a lower-carb version.
• Dairy Swap: For a lighter take, you can replace the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt.
• Veggie Addition: Toss in some fresh spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli to add more nutrients and color to the dish.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free penne pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Pairing Suggestions

To round out your Cheesy Bacon Ranch Crack Chicken Penne experience, consider pairing it with some delightful side dishes and beverages. A fresh garden salad or a crisp coleslaw would make a fantastic accompaniment, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy pasta. As for drinks, a light beer, a glass of white wine, or an iced tea would all complement the flavors beautifully, creating a complete and satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the ingredients in crack chicken penne pasta?

The key ingredients in Cheesy Bacon Ranch Crack Chicken Penne are penne pasta, boneless skinless chicken breasts, bacon, sour cream, cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Why is crack chicken called crack?

The term “crack chicken” refers to the addictive nature of this dish, as the combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors can be incredibly hard to resist. The addictive quality of this chicken dish is what inspired the “crack” nickname.

How do you eat crack chicken?

Cheesy Bacon Ranch Crack Chicken Penne is meant to be enjoyed as a hearty, one-dish meal. You can scoop it up with a fork or spoon, making sure to get a bit of the pasta, chicken, bacon, and creamy sauce in each bite. The dish is designed to be comforting and satisfying, so feel free to indulge and savor every delicious morsel.

What does crack chicken have in it?

The key ingredients in Cheesy Bacon Ranch Crack Chicken Penne are chicken, bacon, cream cheese, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, and cheddar cheese. These components come together to create the rich, creamy, and indulgent “crack” flavor that makes this dish so addictive and irresistible.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Bacon Ranch Chicken and Penne Casserole
• One-Pan Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken and Rice Skillet
• Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake
• Creamy Bacon Ranch Chicken and Orzo Casserole

Embrace the cheesy, bacon-y, ranch-y goodness of Cheesy Bacon Ranch Crack Chicken Penne and let it transport you to a realm of pure comfort food bliss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a cozy night in, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Dig in and enjoy every bite of this irresistible pasta masterpiece!

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